Centrifugal concentrator.



PATENTED OCT. 24, 1905.

P. H. ADAMS. CENTRIPUGAL UONCENTRATOR.

APPLICATION FILED MAYB, 1903.

3 SHBETS-SHEET 1.

No. 802,724. PATENTED OCT. 24, 1905. P. H. ADAMS.-

GBNTRIFUGAL GDNGENTRATOR.

APPLIGATION FILED MAY 6, 1903.

lluh ll 3 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

E III PHINEAS H. ADAMS, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR, BY MESN EASSIGN- CENTRIFUGAL CONCENTRATOR.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Oct. 24, 1905.

' Application filed May 6, 1903- Serial'No. 155,959.

To all whom it TIMI/y concern:

Be it known that I, PHINEAS H. ADAMs, a citizen of the United States,residing at Chicago, Cook county, State of Illinois, have inventedcertain new and useful Improvements in Centrifugal Concentrators, ofwhich the following is a specification.

My invention relates more particularly to improvements in the art ofcentrifugal concentration or separation of materials of differentdegrees of specific gravity while in a finely-divided state and in thepresence of or mixed with water; and it consists in the variouscombinations, features, and details of construction and mechanism ormachinery and the movements and effect of its parts for use in said art,which are hereinafter described and claimed.

To enable a better understanding of my invention, I will state that inoperation it ordinarily occurs that the separation of the lighterparticles of the heavier or value parts of material is not accomplishedwith the same case and distinctness as the heaviest particles of thisportion and that some of the heaviest portions of the lighter or wastepart of the material lodges or deposits with these lightervalueparticles on a greater or less area of the separating-surface near thedischarge end of the vessel, thereby forming a mixed or blendedimperfectly-separated accumulation or layer increasing in percentage ofwaste particles as the discharge endof the separating-surface of thevessel is approached, which mixed material in practice is known asmiddlings. Through this depositing or accumulating of waste particlesthe efliciency and utility of the centrifugal concentrator as ordinarilybuilt are materially reduced, partly from the fact that hcrebefore whenthe accumulated mass or layer of more cleanly separated, and hence morevaluable, concentrates is periodically discharged from the otherportions of the separating surface, this imperfectly separated ormiddlings portion is also at the same time discharged or removed andcommingles with the better part, thereby substantially red ucing therichness of the entire mass, as well as increasing its volume, andconsequently increasing the cost of subsequent smelting or furtherreduction, because of the increased quantity to be smelted, and alsofrom the fact that the waste particles, as a rule, are highly .siliciousand more diflicult to smelt.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a top plan of my concentrator with theupper driving-pulley and feed casings and pipes removed. Fig. 2 is acentral vertical section of Fig. 1 partly on line 2, somewhat reduced insize, looking in the direction of the arrow, also showing, however, partof the deflector and some other parts in elevation. Fig. 3 is anenlarged detailed central view of a portion of the lower outer diameteror wall of the treatment vessel and its lower head, a part of thecorresponding wall of the deflector and some other parts showing theirrelation, arrangement, and position. Fig. a is a detail showing across-section of the deflector-shaft, a top plan of its lower endstep-box, and the forked end portion of the oscillatory lever. Fig. 5 isan enlarged detail of the forked casting shown at the cam in Fig. 2, butin position turned onequarter around. Fig. 6 is an enlarged detail,mostly in elevation, of the hand-wheel, clutchjaws, and safety device inthe reciprocating mechanism, with, however, parts shown by dotted linesand parts broken away. Fig. 7 is principally a central horizontalsection of Fig. 6, but, however, with the shaft and some small parts inelevation and the graspingpiece to the hand-wheel omitted. Fig. 8 is anenlarged detail cross-section of Fig. 6 on line 8 looking in thedirection of the arrow, showing more clearly some parts and showing thepart broken away in Fig. 6 restored. Fig. 9 is an enlarged outline ofthe end or cup-shaped casting shown in Figs. 6 and 7, illustrating moreclearly certain features. Fig. 10 is an elevation of that side of thebase castings or housing where the reciprocatingmechanism parts areconnected. Fig. 11 is a detail plan, partly in section, of part of Fi 2on line 11 looking in the direction of the arrow; and Fig. 12 is adetail plan section of part of Fig. 2 on line 12 of Fig. 2 looking inthe direction of the arrow.

Similar letters and figures designate similar parts throughout theseveral figures of the drawings.

In the construction of my concentrator I provide a concentrating ortreatment vessel consisting, principally, of a tapering tubular orfrustum portion a, affording on its inner circumferential wall aseparating-sm-face 7). The circumferential wall of the treatment vesselis preferably of comparatively thin metal, having at its lower or largerend a flanged part C, which helps to form an enlargement at thedischarge end of the treatment vessel. To the vessel is provided twoheads (Z and e. The lower head (Z is preferably composed of an outerportion in the nature of a flat ring with an upward-turned portion orflange e at its inner edge and also one with an upwardly-turned flangepart at its outer or peripheral edge corresponding in diameter to theflange C. This head is secured to the flange U by bolts f and, with saidflange, forms the enlargement at the discharge end of the vessel, asshown in Figs. 1 and 3. Connected to the inner edge of the ring portionof the head are radial spokes g, secured to a hub or central portion it.This hub is seated upon an antifriction-bearing d, which is carried by acasting j, and thus vertically supports the treatment vessel. Thiscasting is connected by arms to the inner diameter or wall of the basecasting or housing Z, which surrounds the lower portion of the treatmentvessel and serves as a base for the concentrator, being provided withlegs m to raise it a short distance above the floor or foundation onwhich it stands. It also contains compartments serving as curvedspirally-inclined troughs or launders 12. and 0 for receiving thematerial and water discharged from the treatment vessel and has attachedto it a deliveryspout p for such material and water. The outer wall ofthis trough or base housing is preferably for convenience of manufacturemade in an upper and lower part or section, being divided through ahorizontal plane at g. It is provided with reinforcing-ribs 7' (bestshown in detail Fig. 10) and with lugs or extended parts or flangeportions 8, through which the bolts 27 pass to hold the two sect-ionstogether, and some of said bolts also preferably pass through the baseor foot of the columns u, as especially shown in detail in Fig. 10, andserve to help hold these columns and the several parts rigidly together.

The upper head e of the cylinder or treatment vessel is provided with acentral cylindrical extension or hub 1:, encircling and having a bearingupon a vertical shaft w, which is journaled near its upper end in abearing 0;, preferably supported through connecting parts or arms y, bythe three columns a, Fig. 1, which extend upward from the top of thebase-casting. The lower end of the shaft is journaled in the box .2,which is an extension of the part and is seated in a reciprocatoryantifrictionbearing 2, to be hereinafter more fully described.

The hub it of the lower end or head of the treatment vessel also has abearing upon the shaft, and both the hubs it and Q) are provided withsuitable internal removable metal sleeves or bushings 3, having liningsof Rabbit or other suitable antifriction metal and havingoutwardly-extended portions at one end through which bolts or screws maybe passed to assist in holding them to place. The central opening inthese hubs are of proper size to receive the sleeves or bushings so theywill be held well in place, yet so when the babbit is worn too much forsatisfactory service the bushings may be removed for repair and return,or others may be substituted in their places.

\Vithin the treatment vessel is a tapering, preferably tubular, core 4,which serves as a deflector and which, together with the wall of thevessel, forms a covered separating channel or passage (0* and deflectsand guides material along near the separating-surface, as well as forother important purposes, as hereinafter more fully described. Thiscore, which I will term a deflector, is hollow, with more or less openends. It may be made of sections of wood or in any other desired way. Itis preferably made of a length to extend over or cover substantially allof the separating-surface while it is in position nearest the feed endof the treatment vessel and then also to extend a short distance beyondthe opposite end of such surface, yet leaving room for its longitudinalmovement or reciprocation a distance substantially equivalent to thewidth of the enlargement or chamber therein at the discharge end of thevessel.

Upon the upper and lower ends of the deflector are plates or rings 5 and6, respectively, and bolts 7 pass longitudinally through the wall of thedeflector and the plates, serving to clamp and assist in holding theseparts securely together. The upper plate has on its inner edge anannular upwardly-extended flange 8, Fig. 2, to prevent material andwater from flowing into the central opening of the deflector, at thispoint.

The deflector is rigidly secured to its shaft 20 by spiders consistingof hubs or central portions 9, arms 10, and rings 11, the latterextending into the wood of which the wall of the deflector is made andis provided with holes through which the bolts '7 pass, thus assistingto secure the wall of the. deflector and spiders together.

Upon the upper head of the treatment vessel is situated a material feedreceptacle or chamber 12, and within this feed-chamber are providedsuitably-located vertical webs 13, and between these webs are feedopenings or channels 14 through the head a to the interior of thetreatment vessel. These parts are shown in Figs. 2 and 11. The webserves not only to support and strengthen the wall of the feed-chamber,butalso as means to quickly start into rotation the material deliveredto it.

The feed-chamber is provided with an annular opening at its top, intowhich extends a feed-casting 15, which may consist of an annular hollowportion of proper diameter and size, having, preferably, a narrowannular opening or channel between two downwardlyextended walls of sizeand shape to register IIO soav'ea with and enter the opening into thefeedchamber. This feed-casting is connected to a branched pipe 16,having suitable valves 17 and 18, located in the respective branches.One of these branches is adapted to be connected with an agitating-tankor other suit,- able source of supply of material, pulp, or pulverizedore properly mixed with water for concentration and serves to supply theconcentrator with material for concentration or separation at thedesired time. Its flow is governed by the valve in that particularbranch. The other branch is connected to a proper source of supply ofpreferably clean water for use at the desired time in discharging orremoving accumulated concentrates or middlings. Its flow is governed bythe valve in this branch.

Upon the plate 5 at the upper end of the deflector are provided radial.wings 19, (shown in Figs. 1 and 12,) reaching from near the outercircumference of the deflector to a point beyond the feed-channels 14,These serve to maintain the mixture in rapid rotation in its passagefrom the feed-chamber to the treat ment vessel and into theseparating-channel.

The plate 5 extends some distance in toward the axis under thefeed-opening M to receive the feed of material from the feedchamber anddivert it into the separatingchannel and is here provided, as beforestated, with the annular upturned flange 8 around its inner border toprevent flow of material over this edge.

The upper head of the treatment vessel is preferably provided with adepending ring or .flangc 20 of size and in position so it will withsmall diametrical clearance enter the central opening of the plate 5 andtelescope therein and down into the deflector as the latter isreciprocated and to extend at least slightly within the deflector whenit is in its lowest position. This flange serves to assist in preventingthe material and water from splashing from the top of the deflector downinto its central opening and when desired for delivering water into thedeflector, as hereinafter described.

The outer circumference of the treatment vessel carries a pulley or beltsurface 21, Fig. 2, which may be conveniently formed thereon and bywhich, through the use of a belt, the treatment vessel is rotated at adesired rate of speed. This surface may, however, be properly grooved,if desired, for receiving a. rope for transmission of motion to the ve;-sel instead of by a flat belt. Rotation is imparted to the deflectorthrough a pulley 22, Fig. 2, at or near the upper end of its shaft w.

in the circumferential wall of the enlargement at the discharge end ofthe treatment vessel there are a number of radial dischargeorilices23,(most clearly shown in detail in Fig. 3,) which are contracted to thedesired size by removable pipes or hollow plugs 6 and in the recess orchamber formed in this enlargement is iitted a ring 24, having a seriesof tapering chambers leading to the discharge-orifices 523.

The bolts f extend through the flange C, which'forms the upper wall ofthe enlargement, and through the lower side or the head of the vesselbetween the chambers in the ring, securely retaining the head and thecylindrical part of the vessel together, as Well as holding the ring 24in place.

There are preferably through the larger or lower head, and best locatedapproximately a somewhat less radial distance from the axis than theinterior diameter of the small end of the treatment vessel, severalholes or channels 25 for the discharge of excess material or water inthis end of the vessel, especially during the concentrating period undernormal conditions of operation, at which time it is desirable andadvantageous to feed a suflicient quantity to the treatment vessel toconstantly produce at least a slightdischarge from these holes, therebyinsuring that the separatingchannel is well and completely filled andgiving visible evidence to the operator of such fact, it being caught bythe inner trough 0 in the base-casting and separately flowed out forobservance.

Preferably nearer to the axis than the material'feed chamber 12 andconcentric to such axis is located a chamber 26 for the reception ofwater alone. This water-feed chamber is preferably formed by an annulardepression in the upper head adjacent to its hub ii, as shown well inFig. 2, and a suitable plate 27, which is properly located and securedto the head, extending toward the axis, thereby largely covering thedepression, but leaving a suitable annular opening for introduction ofwater, when desired, by suflicient and proper means, as a curved pipe orcasting 28, provided with depending lips, with an annular openingbetween them, of size and form to register with the opening in thechamber.

To this casting is connected a water-supply pipe or conduit 29,connected to a suitable source of water-supply and is governed by avalve 30, located in the pipe. It is much preferable, although notabsolutely necessary, that the water here introduced should becomparatively clean. From this waterfeed chamber are provided means forconveying water into the hollow of the deflector, which are openings 31,communicating with the depending ring or flange 20, hereinbeforedescribed, which is in position to receive the water and deliver it downwithin the upper end of the hollow deflector, as illustrated in Fig. 2,a sufficient distance even when the latter has been drawn down to itsfullest extent. The width of this flange is somewhat greater than theextent of reciprocation of the deflector. it then follows that inasmuchas the inner wall of the deflector diverges ITO outward toward its loweror opposite end and, I

which I provide through the wall of the de flector more or less thicklyover its area up for a desired distance from its lower or discharge end.

It will be seen that the agencies above described operating as a part ofthe concentrator to supply, carry, and deliver water within the lowerportion of the separating-channel and on that part of theseparating-surface without delivering water into the upper part of suchchannel, form means for the employment of water whereby prior to theremoval of the most highly concentrated and richer part of the materialor concentrate, which may be known as finished concentrates, that areaccumulated on the upper portion of the separating-surface near ortoward the feed end, the mixed or imperfectly-separated or middlingspart accumulated on the lower portion or toward the discharge end, overwhich these holes 32 range, can first and be separately removed anddischarged from the separating surface and vessel without disturbing orremoving the other or finished portions.

While I have described with considerable exactness the several partswhich in this instance operate conjointly to serve as means foremployment of water whereby middlings can be first and separatelyremoved in this class of a concentrator without removing the betterconcentrates, I do not intend thereby to confine myself to the closedetails of construction or the close detail association of partsdescribed for this purpose.

It will be understood that by reason of the differential rotation of theseparating-surface and the deflector all portions of the separating-surface throughout the longitudinal extent to which the perforationsreach and are left uncovered will be circumferentially swept or broughtunder the radial influence or washing action of the water passingthrough such perforations or channels, and, further, from the fact thatthe deflector is reciprocatory the perforations or channels may be moreor less reciprocated at the same time they are differentially rotated,thereby serving to more com pletely cover, sweep,or clean the lowerportion oftheseparating-surface. This reciprocation, however, during thetime of unloading middlings can be but slight without removing materialfrom the upper part of the separating surface or channel, as theconcentratingchannel will be nearly full of concentrates and will notpermit of much upward travel of the deflector without removingconcentrates,

so that the middlings, if removed separately, are necessarily removedwhile the deflector is in a down or drawn-out position.

As means for more completely governing the extent orlongitudinaldistance from the discharge end of the separating-surface from which themixed material or middlings may be separately removed and for nicelyadjusting or changing this limit of effectiveness I supply theperforations or channels 32 up longitudinally in the deflector, themaximum distance from which in any case it will likely be desirable tofirst remove the middlings. I then provide an adjustable means forcovering or closing a desired portion or number of these perforations orchannels from their upper line, preferably composed of a central or hubpart 33, Fig. 2, loosely surrounding the sleeve 34, which depends fromthe lower one of the hubs 9, and resting on the internally-threadedhand-wheel 35, which engages threads on the outside of said sleeve 34.From the central part 33 are extended arms 36, carrying a ring or hoop37 near the inner surface of the deflector in position to properlysupport an elastic part 38 in the nature of a sheet-rubber covering andto permit it to rest or lie closely against this portion of the innersurface of the deflector. The arms 36, as well as the arms or spokes 10of the hub 12, are far enough apart to afford ample space between themfor the flow of water within the deflector. The elastic portion ispreferably made of comparatively thin sheet-rubber to enable it to beexpanded by centrifugal force and to conform to the shape of and restclose against the surface of the deflector. It is of sufficient width soeven when it is movedfully downward it will cover the holes lying aboveit, in this way effectually and completely covering such portion of theperforations or channels as may be desired, preventing waterfrom flowingthrough them, and consequently the removal of material or middlingsradially under them. Of course it will be understood that the water willflow over this elastic portion and down to and th rough the perforationsthat are not covered by it. The supporting parts of the elastic portionmay be moved up or down by turning the bandwheel 35, and thereby suchnumber of the perforations or channels covered or uncovered as may bede-. sired, and consequently the extent of the separating-surface, fromwhich materials are first removed, governed as wished.

As means for preventing the water from accumulatingin too greataquantity in thelower end of the treatment vessel during the period ofremoving the middlings and from backing up in the separating-channel toofar above the upper perforations through the deflectorwalls, and thusdisturbing the deposit of finished concentrates above the area fromwhich it is desired to first effect removal of the middlings, I provide,preferably, several openings 39 through the lower head of the vessel ata proper radial distance from the axis, so the excess amount of waterwill be discharged at these, points. The water therefore will not backup in the separating-clmnnel and on the separating-surface to an extentsubstantially nearer the axis than the radial position occupied by theseopenings, which I will term for convenience secondary overflow-channels.

During concentration it is necessary to keep the separating channel orpassage full of water to enable effective concentration, and during thatperiod if these secondary overflowchannels were open they would permitthe Water to then flow out so rapidly as to abstract it from theseparating-channel and defeat the results sought. It is necessary,therefore, to provide means to close these channels during theconcentrating period, and I prefer to do this by supplying a suitableplug or stopper 40, Figs. 2 and 3, for each secondary overflowchannel,which may be of comparatively soft rubber, each secured to a separatehinged piece 41 in proper position, so the plug will register with andcover its respective channel when it is swung up to place. The part 41is preferably provided with a spring 42, secured in position on thelower head of the vessel to contact with the part 41 in a manner toresist the swinging up of this part and stopper to close the channel.

lt will be understood that during the concentrating period the vessel isrotated at a greater speed than during the unloading or dischargingperiod, and the strength of the spring 42 and weight of the part 41 areproportioned with relation to the speed of the vessel at the respectivetimes, so that at the unloading period and speed the spring willovercome the centrifugal force being developed on the stopper and itscarryil'ig parts and force them down, thus opening the secondaryoverflow-channels; but, on the other hand, the spring is sufficientlyweak to permit the increased centrifugal force developed d uring theconcentrating period to carry the part 41 and the stopper up and retainthe latter firmly over their respective secondary channels, ef-.fectively stopping any discharge thereat during this period. In this waymeans rotatable with the vessel are provided for preventing water duringthis period of separately removing middlings from flowing up into theseparating-channel and on the concentratingsurfaee beyond the desireddistance, conseq uently preventing removal of material at that time fromother portions of the concentratingsurface. Of course other means may beemployed for opening and closing the secondary channel 39; but I preferto employ this automatic arrangement as being effective and convenient.The radial distance or position of location of these secondaryoverflow-channels from the axis of rotation establish or predeterminethe extent to which the water can back or flow up in theseparating-channel while they are open, and therefore in locating thesepassages the extent of such upwardflow of water is therebypredetermined.

As before stated, the deflector is shorter than the treatment vessel,and its shaft is mounted to slide freely in all but its lower orcombined step and lateral bearing. These last are connected with meansto secure to them alternate periods of longitudinal reciprocation ormovement and rest.

The reciprocating mechanism preferably consists of a lever 43, forked atits inner end, pivotally fulcrumed near its center to the bottom or thetrough or base-housing and connected to the stepbearing at its forkedend by links 44, Figs. 2 and 4. The opposite end of the lever is hingedor pivotally connected by a reciprocatory upwardly-extending casting 45,which diverges upward into two pairs of forks or yokes, the separatepairs of which pass on the opposite sides of the cam-wheel 46 and are inengagement in a sliding manner with the boxes or bearings 47 around thecamshaft 48, which here holds the forked casting in position, asillustrated in the drawings. One view of this casting is shown in detailFig. 5. This forked casting has in its lower portion or body, properlylocated to contact with the circumferential surface of the cam- Wheel, aroller 49, which is of suitable size and rotatably mounted on a pin 50,so the cammaintains this end of the lever, and when the cam revolves theroller travels against the circumferential surface of thecam and is 100thus forced downward or is permitted to rise, carried by the weight onthe opposite end of the lever, with the irregular contour of the cam,accordingly carrying the forked casting, rocking orreciprocatingthelever, and producing a 105 reciprocating or longitudinal movementofthe step-bearing, the shaft. and its deflector. It will be understoodthat the cam 46 has a peripheral surface with an irregular contouradapted to produce the movements or oscilla- 11o tions of the leverwhich are desired, as well as its periods of rest, and in turn suchmovements and rest of the deflector. This cam is securely mounted andmaintained on its shaft 48, which is journaled in boxes 51, Fig. 1,carried by brackets 52, secured to the base casting or housing of theconcentrator. The shaft and cam are rotated by slow-down gearing ormechanism, consisting of a wormwheel 53, rigidly mounted upon thecam-shaft and I2 meshing with a worm 54 upon a shaft passing through it(the shaft is indicated in Figs.

5 and 6) and journaled in boxes 56, which are properly connected to andcarried by one of the brackets 52. The worm 54 has its ends 125 or hubsextended sufficiently to contact with the boxes 56 to prevent the wormfrom being moved endwise. Upon the shaft 55 is also located, but in aloose or rotatable manner, a Worm-wheel 57, meshing wlth a worm upon 3 ashaft 59, journaled in boxes in suitable POSition for this purpose. Theparts above stated, which are mounted on the shaft 55, as shownassembled in Figs. 1 and 2, so completely cover it as to entirelyobscure the said shaft from view in these figures. For receiving themotive power for this mechanism and imparting rotation thereto a pair ofclutchpulleys 61, Fig. 1, are preferably mounted on the shaft 59 and aredriven in reverse directions by straight and crossed belts 62 and 63(shown in dotted lines, Fig. l) and may be thrown in or out ofengagement by a proper lever 6 and the shaft 59, with its rigidlymountedworm 58 and the loosely-mounted worm-wheel 57, be thereby revolved ineither direction desired, depending on which of the pulleys are broughtinto engagement for this purpose. As means by which to transmit rotationfrom the worm-wheel 57 to the cam L6 and also when desired to enablestopping the movement of the cam and parts actuated by it while theother parts of the cam-driving mechanism continue to operate and also toenable manual operation at the cam and reciprocation of the deflectorthe worm-wheel 57, as above stated, is rotatably mounted upon its shaft55, held longitudinally to place thereon at one side by a collar and atthe other by contacting with one end of the hub of a disk 65, which isalso loosely mounted on the shaft 55. This arrangement is best shown inFigs. 6 and T.

To connect the worm-wheel 57 and disk 65 together, so when the former isrevolved the latter will be carried with it. I provide pins 66, extendedinto the walls of both parts. These pins or studs are of sufficientstrength to force or carry the worm-wheel around with the disk under ordoing any normal duty in reciprocation of the deflector, but areintended to be sufiiciently frail to break under largely undue stress inreciprocation of the deflector, thereby forming a safety measure,points, or device in their driving mechanism. In this way accident isprevented that might otherwise occur caused by possible clogging in theseparating-channel. The pins may be renewed, if broken. The outer hub ofthe disk is extended and provided with clutch-jaw 67, adapted to engagewith clutch-jaws on the hub of the hand-wheel 68, which wheel is mountedand splined in a manner to be moved longitudinally on the shaft 55, butnot rotated thereon, so when the hand-wheel revolves the shaft is alsoforced around by the spline 69 (shown in Fig. '7) and through which whenthe clutch-jaws 70 of the hand-wheel and disk are in engagement theWorm-wheel 57 will be rotated and the shaft 48 revolved with its cam.If, however, it is desired to stop the rotation of the cam and thereciprocation of the deflector while the worm-wheel 57 is reon its shaftuntil the clutch-jaws are'out of engagement, thus permitting theworm-wheeland disk to loosely revolve on their shaft. In this positionthe hand-wheel 68 and its shaft, as well as the parts driven by it, willremain at rest until it is desired to operate them manually through theagency of the handwheel or until the clutch jaws are again brought intoengagement.-

As means for forcing the jaws on the hand- Wheel and disk intoengagement, as well as to assist in holding them in such position whendesired, there is a coiled spring 71 (shown in Figs. 6 and 7) aroundtheir shaft properly located to contact at one end against the outer endof the hub of the hand-wheel and at its other end against the bottom ofthe cup-shaped casting 72.

As means with which to readily withdraw the clutch-jaws of the disk andhand-wheel from engagement when desired and again permit them to becomeengaged I provide aseeondary hand-wheel 73, fixedly mounted on andemploying the cup-shaped casting 72 as its hub portion, and forconvenience of manipulation it may be provided with a handle or grasping-piece 74:.

Preferably in the inner wall of the cupshaped casting opening to itsinterior circumference, as is best shown in Figs. 6, 8, and 9, thelatter of which shows it in diagrammatic-a1 outline, I provide a groove,channel, or groove of suitable width and depth to enable it to subservethe purposes for which it is intended. This groove preferably starts atthe open end of the casting, thus leaving it with an open end, and firstextends approximately parallel to the axis of the casting at least adistance in length somewhat greater than the length of the clutch-jawsto the point 75, thence preferably extending at right angles acomparatively short distance to a point 76, thence in an obliquediagonal or spiral direction for a desired distance back toward the openend of the casting to a point 77, thence in a direction preferably atright angles to its first course, intersecting the same at a point 78.To operate in the last-described portion of this groove, part of whichportion preferably extends clear through the wall of the casting, islocated a metal piece 79, loose at one end and hinged at its other endat a point 80, with its inner side preferably slightly extending intothe groove and its opposite end extending or lying deeply into thegroove, terminating in position to come flush with the wall of thediagonal or oblique portion of the groove nearest to the hinged end, asmost clearly shown in Figs. 6 and 9. sition the loose end will fill thepoint of intersecton of the groove in which it lies and the diagonalportion of the groove and serve to here complete the wall of this latterportion,

Volving, the hand-wheel may be drawn back i and its lower or inner sidewill form an in- Th us in its normal po- IIO clined plane in the groove,with its loose end yieldingly held down in place in the groove by aspring 81, only showing in Fig. 8.

At a proper point on the hub of the handwheel 68, which. carries theclutch-jaws, is located a protruding pin 82 of size and shape to quiteloosely [it and travel in the groove, the two being located relatively,so that when the clutch-jaws are in engagement with those on the hub ofthe disk the position of the pin will be in the slot at the point 78,and then to disengage the clutch-jaws the secondary handwheel isrevolved first to the right, turning with it the cup-shaped casting orhub and passing the pin through the part of the groove to the point 77.During this time the piece 79 is pushed or swung outward by the pin topermit its passage; but when the pin has passed beyond the end of thispiece and fully entered the diagonal part of the groove, the pushed-outend being relieved, is carried in again to its normal position by thespring 81, Fig. 8, and completes that portion of the wall of thediagonal part of the groove at 77, thus preventing the pin from againentering the part of the groove through which it has just passed. Thesecondary hand-wheel is now turned to the right, and the contact of thepin against the side of the wall of the diagonal portion of the groovein its revolution forces the pin along the groove in a backward direction, drawing with it the hand-wheel and its clutch-jaws, thusdisengaging the latter. By the time 76 in the groove is reached by thepin the clutch-jaws will be fully withdrawn out of engagement, and bysome further rotation of the hand-wheel the pin will pass into theportion of the groove between the points 76 and 75 and may there rest,holding the clutch-jaws out of engagement and permitting the worm-wheel53 and cam-wheel 4:6 and the parts they operate to remain at rest whilethe clutch-pulleys 61, the worm 58, the worm-wheel 57, and disk continueto rotate. W hen it is desired to again bring the clutchjaws intoengagement, the secondary handwheel may be turned sufliciently fartherto the right to bring the pin fully into the part or points 7 5, Fig. 9,of the groove, and then with the pin unobstructed the hand-wheel will beforced along its shaft by the coiled spring and the clutch-jaws againbrought into engagement, at the same time moving the pin into itsinitial position in the groove ready to again perform its. service whendesired. Of course if the clutch-jaws of the two parts are not in properrelative position to engage when the pin first reaches the point 75 itwill remain there at rest until the rotation of the disk brings itsclutch-jaws in proper relative longitudinal position, when engagementwill quickly take place, effected by the pressure of the spring. l/Vhenthe clutch-jaws are being held out of engagement by this describedwheel, and their driven parts may be manually operated throughapplication to the handwheel, and the deflector may thus be manuallyreci 'n'ocated.

I prefer to form a comparatively shallow, more or less, curveddepression or recess 83, Fig. 9, in the wall in the portion of thegroove between the points '75 and 76, in which the pin may at leastpartly recess and rest in its passage through this portion of thegroove. The presence of this depression will enable the operator duringthe time he is turning the secondary hand-wheel through this part of itsrevolution to readily distinguish when the pin has safely reached thatposition in the groove -.intended for holding the clutch-jaws out ofengagement, as well as to maintain it in such position with moresecurity and yet readily yield when a comparatively moderate additionalamount of rotary pressure is applied to the secondary hand-wheel. Ifdesired, two of these grooves or channels and pins may be employed toadvantage, preferably to operate in unison on diametrically oppositesides of the casting in which they are located. In this way a more evenapplication of operating force to those parts may be had.

To prevent the material within the concentrator from splashing on orreaching the upper bearing of the treatment vessel, the lower end of itshub is provided with a depending sleeve 84L of size and form to atalltimes extend somewhat over the hub of the upper spider of thedeflector, as illustrated, Fig. 2, and during reciprocating operation totelescope over such hub, thus always covering this portion of the shaft.To protect the journal of the lower hub h, it is also encircled by thesleeve 34:, secured to the lower side of the hub of the lower spider ofthe deflector, this also being of proper and suflicient dimensions to bealways about the hub in any position of the deflector and to telescopeover the same during reciprocation.

In operation the deflector being at its extreme upper position inthevesselthat is, nearest to the feed end--the roller 49 contacting withthe cam at the point 85 the period of separation or concentration isabout to begin. Ore or other suitable material more or less finelypulverized and properly mixed or commingled with the water to form apulp is fed through the feed-pipe 16 and through the feed-casting.feed-chamber, and feed-orifices into the treatment vessel, which isbeing rotated at a suflicicnt speed to develop the desired degree ofcentrifugal force. The mixture is supplied in sufficient quantities toquickly fill the separating channel or passage and is forcedtherethrough by the centrifugal force acting on the greater or less bodyof water that accumulates between the head of the vessel and that of thedeflector in the feed end and along the inclined surface in themechanism, the worm-wheel 53, the camseparating-channel, and also tosome extent by gravity, producing a current downward through theseparating-channel and the ve'ssel. In the separating-channelcentrifugal force causes the material to move toward a position aroundthe circumference of the vessel and the heavier portion to lodge on theseparating-surface, the heaviest assuming this po sition first andmaintaining it with great tenacity, therefore filling that portion ofthe separating-channel nearest the feed end with a more distinctly andcleanly separated deposit than farther down in the channel nearer thedischarge end, where the lighter parts of the heavier ore values aredriven for fixed lodgment, while the waste is mostly driven on todischarge out of the vessel. The differential rotation of the deflectorcauses an agitation in the mixture within the separating-channel and africtional wash over the separating-surface of requisite intensity topermit practically fixed precipitation of the heavier or value portions,while it maintains the lighter or Waste particles partially or wholly insuspension in the liquid or in traveling contact on theseparating-surface, With which liquid it is moved along to- Ward thedischarge-orifices by the said friction and downward flow. As separationprogresses and the heavier materials accumulate on theseparating-surface the diminishing radius of the cam in its rotationgradually lowers the deflector through the agency of their connectingparts, thus carrying the exterior of the deflector away from theseparatorsurface and widening the separating-channel between them. Thevolume of feed to the concentrator is gaged so that by the graduallowering of the deflector the distance between its outer surface and thesurface of the accumulating concentrates is kept approximately constant,maintaining the velocity of flow of water through the channelapproximately constant, and of such intensity, together with thefrictional wash, as to carry along to discharge the lighter substances,which will be caught by the troughs or launders in the base casting orhousing and be delivered from the concentrator by the spout p. Thisspout connects with an adequate arrangement of shifting troughs (notshown) to enable the various products discharged from the separator atthe different times to be diverted to different desired points. Duringthis time or period of separation there is always some waste particleslodged in the separating-channel, especially on or near the lowerportion of the separating-surface near the discharge end, thus byaccumulating with the lighter value particles forming a mixed or blendeddeposit thereon. This deposit gradually decreases in percentage of valueparticles and weight as the discharge end is more nearly approached andforms what is generally known in practice as middlings. There are asWell during this period some of the lighter value particles pass or flowfrom the discharge or lower end of this deposit out to discharge and arelost. This latter making up largely the percentage of value losses inconcentration, and this percentage of loss depends. largely on thedistance in length of the separating-surface that can practically beallotted or given over for the deposit of this imperfectly-separatedpart and that in turn largely depends on the facility for removing thesemiddlings or imperfectly separated parts by themselves for retreatment.To insure that there shall be practically none or at most the smallestamount of value possible flowed or moved over to discharge and loss,there is a suificiently small quantity of material for separation fed tothe concentrator, so that its cleanly separated or finished valuecontents will not well fill the space Within the separating-channelthroughout its entire length, but will leave a considerable room orextent for the mixed and blended or middlin gs portion of the deposit tolengthen out or extend well up on the separating-surface some distancefrom the discharge end under the path of circumferential travel of theperforations or channels in the deflectorwall, thereby affording greaterspace on the separating-surface in which this blended mix ture part maylodge and a greater distance in which this percentage of value particlesthat would otherwise be washed to discharge may be saved, resulting in ahigher percentage of saving in values from the material being treated.This allotment of greater length or space is rendered practical for themiddlings material because of the devising and employment of means forseparately removing and discharging it for retreatment without removingthe more valuable parts at the same time, and thereby keeping the twoseparate. During the concentrating period the deflector has graduallybeen lowered or drawn out toward the discharge end; but when the point86 on the cam has been reached by the roller contacting with it thedesired amount of heavier substances, materials, or concentrates to forma charge or lode have accumulated on the separating-surface, the feed ofmaterial to the concentrator is stopped and the deflector is maintainedby the cam without longitudinal movement, or in a state of longitudinalrest for a short period, during the progress of the cam from 86 to 87,during the first part of which time practically all of the last portionsof the lighter material and water from the upper part of theseparating-channel then in progress of treatment are discharged. ater isthen introduced by opening the valve 30, thus flowing it into thewater-feed chamber, from which it passes down into the hollow of thedeflector and down and out through the perforations or channels 32 inthe deflector-wall, beingthrown out of the same with considerableviolence by the action of centrifugal force against the mixed portion ormiddlings deposit on the separatingsurface, thereby affecting theirremoval and discharge without disturbing or removing the other or morehighly concentrated or finished portions of the deposit on the upperpart of the separating-surface. This removal is preferably wholly orlargely secured during the period of longitudinal rest of the deflectorat this point, which is preferably its longer period of rest. The rollercontacting with the cam, through the latters progressive rotation,having reached the point 87, the deflector thereafter is, by the thendiverging contour of the cam, soon forced or carried upward and to itsinitial position, thereby contracting the size of the separatingchannelto its starting or smallest size and resulting in washing and forcingofffrom the separating-surface the deposit on the upper portion thereof,which is that part lying nearer the feed end than the portion occupiedby the middlings, which were previously removed. During this lattermovement of the deflector, which occurs during the cams rotating contactwith the roller 49 from the point 87 to 88, water is introduced into thetreatment vessel and through the separatingchannel by openingthe valve18 in the branch of the feed-pipe, and,further, if desired during thisperiod, water may also be introduced into the deflector and through thechannels in its wall to assist in removing this latter material. Duringthe unloading period of both the middlings and better or linishedconcentrates it is desirable to decrease the speed of rotation of thetreatment vessel, thereby decreasing the centrifugal force and theconsequent tenacity with which materials are held on theseparating-surface, thus rendering them more easily removed ordischarged. It is intended that by the time the point 88 of the cam-surface is reached and the deflector thereby forced to its highest orinitial position practically all or at least most of the concentrateswill have been discharged from the vessel, and during the rotation ofthe cam from the point 88 to the point 85, during which time thedeflector undergoes a state or period of vertical rest, all of anyremaining portion of the concentrates will be washed out and dischargedand the treatment vessel will again be ready for loading. Before thematerial is started to How into the treatment vessel for concentrationits speed of rotation should again be increased to the desired point.

It will of course be understood that during the period of removing theconcentrates and middlings the How of material for treatment into thevessel should be discontinued and that it is desirable, although notabsolutely necessary, that the water used in the removal of both themiddlings and the concentrates should be practically clean to maintainthem in as high a state of purity as possible.

In using the term near the discharge end or near the feed end I do notnecessarily mean just at or closely adjacent to these ends, but mean todesignate desired portions of the separating-surface in the direction ofeither one end or the other. Usually, however, in practice there will beapproximately one-third of the longitudinal distance on theseparating-surface nearest to the discharge end Gill? ployed for depositof mixed material or middlings and approximately two-thirds of suchsurface nearest the feed end for better or iinished concentrates; but asthese proportions are not at all fixed I do not desire to be confined tothem.

that I regard as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. In a centrifugal concentrator the combination of a rotatabletreatment vessel having a separating-surface therein; a core thereinforming a covered separating channel or passage for the flow of materialover said surface; means for employment of water whereby material can beremoved from a desired portion of such surface around near its dischargeend, and means in part rotatable with said vessel, for preventing waterfrom flowing up into said channel beyond a predetermined distance duringsaid removal.

2. In a centrifugal concentrator, the combination of a rotatabletapering treatment vessel, having a separating-surface thereon with acore forming a separating-passage for the flow of material over saidsurface, means for supplying water to the inner portion of said vesseland to said passage whereby material can be removed from a desiredportion of the separating surface near its discharge end without movingthat on the other portions thereof; and means in part rotatable withsaid vessel for preventing water from flowing up into said channelbeyond a predetermined desired distance during such removal, said meansautomatically openable at a comparatively slow speed of rotation andclosable at a comparatively high speed of rotation of the vessel.

3. In a centrifugal concentrator, the combination of a rotatabletapering treatment vessel with a differentially-rotatable hollowtapering deflector therein the two with a channel or passage betweenthem, and a separating-surface forn'iing one wall of the channel. orpassage, said hollow deflector adapted to convey water internally oversaid separating-surface without such water disturbing material on saidsurface above the area from which it is intended to first removematerial, and automatic means in part rotatable with the vessel, forpreventing water from flowing up into said channel beyond a desireddistance during removal of said material.

4. In a centrifugal concentrator, the combination of a rotatabletreatment vessel, having a separating-surface, and with. a rotatablewater-receiving chamber on its feedend; a rotatable hollow deflectortogether with the vessel forming a concentrating channel or passagebetween them; means for delivering water from said water-receivingchamber into the deflector, the deflector being adapted to receive saidwater and deposit it on middlings accumulated on the separatingsurfacenear the discharge end of the vessel whereby said middlings can beremoved without removing the material from other portions of theseparating-surface, and automatic means for preventing water fromflowing up into the separating-channel beyond a desired predetermineddistance during such removal, openable at a comparatively slow speed ofrotation and closable at a comparatively high speed of rotation of thevessel.

5. In a centrifugal concentrator, the combination of a rotatabletreatment vessel havrating channel or passage therein, a deflectorwithin the vessel, having alternate periods of longitudinal movement andrest; means for producing such period of movement and rest, and meansconnected to and rotatable with for opening water-p assages from thevessel while it is at a comparatively slow speed of rotation, andclosing them at a comparatively high speed thereof.

6. In a centrifugal concentrator, the combination of a rotatabletreatment vessel having a separating-surface therein, a deflector withinthe vessel having alternate periods of longitudinal movements and rest,means for effecting such periods of movements and rest, said vesselhaving passages for preventing water from flowing up on theseparating-surface beyond a predetermined distance, openable at acomparatively slow speed of rotation of the vessel, and closable at acomparatively high speed thereof, the said deflector being provided withwaterchannels through its wall near its lower end and means forintroducing water into the deflector.

7. In a centrifugal concentrator, the combination of a rotatabletreatment vessel having a separating-surface, and a hollowdifferentially-rotatable reciprocatory deflector therein, and with oneor more feed-channels at one end and one or more discharge-orifices atthe other end and having an enlargement at its discharge end of widthapproximately as great as the reciprocating movement of the deflector, aring or similar portion in such enlargement having chambers or recessesleading from its inner side to said dischargeoriflces, means foremployment of water whereby material can be removed from a desiredportion of the separating-surface near the discharge end withoutremoving material from near the feed end, such means embodying saiddeflector, the latter having waterpassages through the lower portion ofits wall and adapted to alternate periods of longitudinal reciprocationand rest and means for producing such periods of reciprocation and rest.

8. In a centrifugal concentrator, the combination of a rotatabletreatment vessel hav ing a separating-surface therein, and a hollowdeflector within the vessel forming together with the vessel, aseparating channel or passage, said vessel having a chamber formed onone of its ends adapted to receive feed of material for delivery intothe vessel, and having a rotatable chamber on said end nearer the axisof rotation, said latter chamber adapted to receive water for deliveryinto said hollow deflector, the said deflector having imperforate wallsnear its feed end, and provided. with water-passages through its wallnear the discharge end of the vessel, and means for preventing waterfrom flowing up on the separating-surface beyond a predetermineddistance, such means in part rotatable with the vessel. r

9. In a centrifugal concentrator, the combination of a rotatabletreatment vessel having a separating-surface, a hollow deflector thereinforming together with the vessel a separating channel or passage, oneend of said vessel having a chamber formed thereon adapted to receivematerial for delivery into the vessel, and a rotatable chamber on saidend nearer the axis of rotation, adapted to receive water for deliveryinto said hollow deflector, said rotatable chamber provided with awater-passage communicating with the deflector, an extended flange orring por tion telescoping into the hollow feed end of the deflectorhaving a width approximately as great as the distance of reciprocationof the deflector, and the deflector provided through its walls withperforations or channels for delivery of water in position for removingmaterial from a desired portion of the separating-surface near thedischarge end, without removing that from near the feed end.

10. In a centrifugal concentrator, the combination of a rotatabletreatment vessel having a separating-surface, and a covered separatingchannel or passage therein, with means for employment of water wherebymaterial can be removed from a desired portion of such surface near itsdischarge end without removing material from other portions thereof, andmeans for regulating the longitudinal extent on the separating-surfacefrom which such material is removed.

11. In a centrifugal concentrator the com bination of a rotatabletreatment vessel, having a separating-surface and a covered separatingchannel or passage therein,with means for employment of water, wherebymaterial can be removed from a desired portion of such surface near itsdischarge end, without removing material from other portions thereof,embodying parts having perforations or channels for the flow of wateropening radially over the separating-surface, and means for covering adesired portion of such perforations or channels.

12. In a centrifugal concentrator, the combination of a rotatabletreatment vessel having a separating-surface, and a covered separatingchannel or passage therein, with means for employment of water wherebymaterial can be removed from a desired portion of such surface near itsdischarge end without removing material from other portions thereof, andmeans in part rotatable with the vessel for preventing water frombacking or flowing up into such channel beyond a predetermined distance.

13. In a centrifugal. concentrator, the com bination of a rotatabletreatment vessel having a separating-surface, and a covered separatingchannel or passage therein, with means for employment of water wherebymaterial can be removed from a desired portion of such surface near itsdischarge end without removing material from other portions thereof, andautomatic means openable at a comparatively slow rotation of the vessel,for preventing water from backing or flowing up into such channel beyonda predetermined distance.

14. In the centrifugal concentrator, the combination of a rotatabletreatment vessel having a separating-surface, and a covered separatingchannel or passage therein, with means for employment of water wherebymaterial can be removed from a desired portion of such surface near itsdischarge end with out removing material from other portions thereof,said vessel having an overflow-passage openable at a comparatively slowspeed of rotation of the vessel and closable at a higher speed ofrotation.

15. In a centrifugal concentrator, the combination of a rotatabletreatment vessel having a separating-surface, and a separating channelor passage therein, means for employment of water whereby material canbe removed from a desired portion of such vessel near its discharge endwithout removing material from other portions thereof, said vesselhaving an overflow-passage, and automatic means for effecting openingand closing thereof.

16. In a centrifugal concentrator, the combination of a rotatabletreatment vessel having a separating-surface, and a covered separatingchannel or passage therein, means for employment of water wherebymaterial can be removed from a desired portion of such surface near itsdischarge end without removing material from other portions thereof, anoverflow-passage, and a hinged portion carrying a stopper adapted toregister with such overflow-passage and effect closure thereof, saidhinged portion operating to permit closure of said overflow-passages ata comparatively high speed of rotation of said vesf sel, and to opensaid passages at a comparatively slow speed of the vessel.

17. In a centrifugal coi'icei'itrator, the combination of a rotatabletreatment vessel, a longitudinally movable or reciprocatory deflectortherein partly supported on one end of an oscillatory lever, andreciprocated thereby, a cam for maintaining the other end of the lever,and imparting oscillation thereto; mechanism for revolving said cam,provided with a yieldable relatively readily disconnecting portiontherein, serving a safety device whereby the rotation of the cam andreciprocation of the deflector will be stopped by yielding of saidportion under undue stress in effecting longitudinal movement of thedeflector.

18. In a centrifugal concentrator, the com bination of a rotatabletreatment vessel, a longitudinally movable or reciprocatory deflectortherein at least partially supported on one end of an oscillatory lever,and reciprocated thereby, a cam for maintaining the other end of thelever and imparting oscillation thereto, mechanism for revolving suchcam, having a worm and a worm wh.eel therein and provided with ayieldable relatively readily disengaging portion therein serving as asafety device whereby the rotation of the cam and reciprocation of thedeflector will be stopped by the yielding of said portion under unduestress in effecting longitudinal movement of the deflector.

19. In a centrifugal. concentrator the combination of a rotatabletreatment vessel; a longitudinally movable or reciprocatory de- 'flectortherein at least partly supported by one end of an oscillatory lever,and. reciprocated thereby, a cam for n'iaintaining the other end of thelever and inmarting oscillation thereto, mechanism for revolving suchcam having a worm and a worm wheel therein, and provided with ayieldable relatively readily disengaging portion serving as a safetydevice, whereby the rotation of the cam and reciprocation of thedeflector will be stopped by the yielding of said portion under unduestress in effecting longitudinal movement of the deflector, and meansfor disengaging parts of such mechanism thereby stopping the rotation ofthe cam, while permitting other parts of such mechanism to revolve.

20. In a centrifugal concentrator, the combination of a rotatabletreatment vessel, a longitudinally movable or reciprocatory deflectortherein at least partly supported on one end of an oscillatory lever,and reciprocated thereby, a cam for maintaining the other end of thelever and imparting oscillation thereto, mechanism for revolving suchcam, having a worm and a worm wheel therein, and a safety deviceinterposed in said mechanism, whereby the rotation of the cam andreciprocation of the deflector will be stopped by undue stress ineffecting such movement of the deflector and a hand-wheel fordisengaging parts of said mechanism, thereby stopping the rotation ofthe cam while permitting other parts of such mechan ism to revolve.

21. In a centrifugal concentrator, the combination of a rotatabletreatment vessel, a longitudinally movable or reciprocatory deflectortherein at least partly supported on one end of an oscillatory lever,and reciprocated thereby, a cam for maintaining the other end of thelever and imparting oscillation thereto, mechanism for revolving suchcam having a worm and a worm-wheel therein, and provided with ayieldable portion forming a safety device interposed in said mechanism,whereby the rotation of the cam and reciprocation of the deflector willbe stopped by undue stress in effecting the longitudinal movement of thelatter, a handwheel for disengaging parts of such mechanism, therebystopping the rotation of the cam while permitting other parts of themechanism to revolve, and a hand-wheel whereby the cam can then bemanually revolved.

22. In a centrifugal concentrator, the combination of a rotatabletreatment vessel, having a separating-surface, a hollow reciprocatorydeflector therein means for alternately reciprocating the deflector, thesaid deflector forming together with the vessel a separating channel orpassage, one end of said vessel having chamber thereon adapted toreceive feed of material for delivery into the vessel, and with achamber on said end nearer the axis of rotation, adapted to receivewater for delivery to said hollow deflector, an extended flange or ringportion telescoping into the hollow feed end of the deflector having awidth approximately as great as the distance of reciprocation of thedeflector, and the deflector provided through its walls with channelsfor delivery of water in position for removing material from a desiredportion of the separating-surface near the discharge end, withoutremoving that from near the feed end.

23. In a centrifugal concentrator the combination of a rotatabletapering treatment vessel, having a separating-surface and a hollowdeflector therein, said deflector adapted to alternate periods oflongitudinal reciprocation or movements and rest, the rest periodsoccurring substantially at the extremities of the reciprocatingmovements, said deflector adapted to carry water to effect removal of alarge portion of material from near the discharge end of theseparating-surface and at the same time prevent the radial deposit ofwater on said surface near its discharge end, means for effecting suchperiods of movement and rest, means for preventing water from flowingonto said surface beyond a predetermined point, and means forintroducing waterinto the vessel and into said doflector.

24. In. a centrifugal concentrator, the combination of a rotatabletreatment vessel having a separating-surface, a hollow deflectortherein, having alternate periods of longitu dinal reeiprocations ormovements and rest, means for preventing removal of material from nearthe feed end of the separating-surface during such rest periods whilematerial is being removed from near the discharge end, and automaticmeans for effecting such periods of movement and rest.

25. In a centrifugal concentrator, the combination of a rotatabletreatment vessel, having a separatin -surface, a hollow deflectortherein, having alternate periods of longitudinal reciprocations ormovements and rest, the period of rest being longer which occurs at theout, or withdrawn position of the deflector; means for preventingremoval of material from near the feed end of the separating-surface,while material is being re moved from near the discharge end of saidseparating-surface during such longer rest period of the deflector,automatic means for producing such reciprocations and periods of restand means for actuating said automatic mechanism.

26. In a centrifugal concentrator, the combination of a rotatabletreatment vessel having a separating-surface, a hollow deflectortherein, having alternate periods of longitudinal reoiprocations ormovements and rest, means for actuating said deflector so as to Iproduce such periods of longitudinal reciprocations or movements andrest the deflector forming together with the vessel a separating channelor passage, one end of said vessel having a chamber thereon. adapted toreceive feed of material for delivery into the vessel, and with. achamber on said end nearer the axis of rotation, adapted to receivewater for delivery to said hollow deflector, an extended flange or ringportion telescoping into the hollow feed end of the deflector, having awidth approximately as great as the distance of reciprocation of thedeflector, and the deflector provided through its walls with channelsfor delivery of water in position for removing material from a desiredportion of the separating-surface near the discharge end, withoutremoving that from near the feed end, and means for preventing waterfrom backing up in the separating-channel beyond a predetermineddistance during the time of revolving the treatment vessel at acomparatively slow speed for removal of middlings.

27. Ina centrifugal concentrator the combination of a rotatabletreatment vessel having a separating-surface, a reciprocat-ory deflector therein having, during concentration of material, a longitudinalmovement from the feed end of the vessel toward the discharge end, andthen a temporary suspension ol longitudinal movement, means partlyrotatable with the treatment vessel for preventing water from flowing upon the separatingsurlace beyond a predetermined distance, such meansoperatable at a comparatively slow speed of rotation, and means foreffecting such movements and periods of rest.

28. In a centrifugal concentrator, the combination of a rotatabletreatment vessel, having a separatingsurfaee a reciprocatory deflectortherein having, during concentration of material a longitudinal movementfrom the feed end of the vessel toward the discharge end, and then atemporary suspension of longitudinal movement, means partly rotatablewith the treatment vessel for preventing water from flowing up on theseparatingsurl ace beyond a predetermined distance such means operableat comparatively slow speed. of the vessel, thereby enabling removal 01.a large portion of accumulated material from a desired part of theseparating-surface near the discharge end during such suspension oflongitudinal movement previous to the removal of accumulated materialfrom near the feed end, said deflector then having during the removal ofa large portion of the accumulated material from near the feed end alongitudinal movement toward said feed end, and means for ell'ectingsuch movements and periods of rest.

29. In acentri'lugal concentrator, the com bination of a rotatabletreatment vessel, having a separating-surface, a reeiprocatory deflectortherein having, during concentration of material a longitudinal movementlro 1n the feed end of the vessel toward the discharge end, and then atemporary suspension of lon gitudinal movement, and means for preventingwater from flowing up on the separatingsurface beyond a PIGClGtGllHlIlGdextent, thereby enabling removal of a large portion of accumulatedmaterial from a desired part of the separating-surface near thedischarge end during such suspension of longitudinal movement previousto the removal of-accumulated material from near the feed end, saiddeflector then having during the removal of a large portion of theaccun'lulated material from near the feed end a longitudinal movementtoward said feed end, and a period of rest near the feed end previous toagain commencing concentration and automatic means for effecting suchmovements and periods of rest.

PHINEAS H. ADAMS.

Witnesses:

EUGENE 000K, 0. T. X. ADAMS.

